Latest Updates:
Harper Passes Legislation to Invest in Communities of Color
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, passed a bill that would allow the State Treasurer’s office to use investment earnings to guarantee small business and consumer loans in communities of color and low income communities.
Hernandez to Host Free COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Event
CICERO, Ill. – In partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), state Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, will host a free COVID-19 booster and vaccination event on Saturday, March 12, from 9 a.m. to noon at Hernandez’s district office located at 6117 W. Cermak Rd. in Cicero.
Kelly-Backed Plan to End Surprise Health Care Billing Passes House
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – An effort supported by state Rep. Michael Kelly, D-Chicago, to protect consumers from surprise out-of-network medical bills passed the House Thursday with bipartisan support.
Hirschauer Reacts to Madigan Indictment, Emphasizes Need for Strong Ethics and Accountability
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – After this week’s indictment of former House Speaker Michael Madigan, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement:
Ford to Host Virtual Cannabis License Town Hall Saturday Morning
CHICAGO – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, is inviting lawyers, lawmakers, business owners and the general public for a virtual town hall discussion Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. on cannabis licensing in Illinois.
Mason Responds to Madigan Indictment, Underscores Need for Stronger Ethics in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – After this week’s indictment of former House Speaker Michael Madigan, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, issued the following statement:
Rep. Barbara Hernandez Passes Legislation Providing Health Assistance to Expectant Parents, Prenatal Vitamins
AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, recently passed legislation to cut the costs of prescribed prenatal vitamins for expectant mothers by including them in individual and group health insurance policies.
Ammons Fighting for Equitable Job Opportunities, Passes Economic Equality Measure
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Continuing her campaign for economic equality in Illinois, state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, recently passed legislation to prevent the state from regulating markets in ways which dampen equitable business opportunities.
Gong-Gershowitz Responds to Madigan Indictment: “No One is Above the Law”
GLENVIEW, Ill. – State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview, responded to the news that former House Speaker Michael Madigan was indicted following a wide-ranging investigation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Attorney’s Office:
Speaker Welch’s Statement on Madigan Indictment
“As Chair of the Special Investigating Committee, I made it clear that this matter needed to be handled in a court of law, completely separate from the legislature. As is evident by this federal indictment, the full weight of the justice system was needed to ensure all charges are investigated properly and thoroughly. At my direction, the Office of the Speaker has fully cooperated with the investigation and will continue to do so.”
Speaker Welch’s Statement on Dr. Ngozi Ezike’s Service to Illinois
“For the past two years, Dr. Ezike has dedicated herself to protecting the health and safety of all Illinoisans. She has been a calming and reassuring voice for our entire state as we navigated through a global health crisis. We owe Dr. Ezike our deepest gratitude for her continued commitment to keeping us all safe and I wish her luck in future endeavors.”
Gonzalez Measure to Plan for Nation’s 250th Anniversary Advances to the House Floor
CHICAGO – State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr., D-Chicago, is pushing for a measure to plan a celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of America’s independence and highlighting Illinois’ role in American history. The measure just passed the House State Government Administration committee and is advancing to the House floor for a vote in front of the entire body.
House to Reopen Public Gallery and Bring Back Clergy, Pages
SPRINGFIELD – Amid an ongoing decline of COVID-19 hospitalizations, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch announced on Monday that the House Chamber is relaxing some of the mitigations that were necessary during the height of the pandemic. The gallery will be open to members of the public at 50% capacity and outside visitors, such as clergy and pages, will be allowed on the floor.
Rep. Barbara Hernandez Announces Grants of up to $30,000 in Housing Relief for Eligible Homeowners
AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is raising awareness of mortgage grant assistance available from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) through the Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF), which supports homeowners financially hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rep. Barbara Hernandez Brings Winter Cheer to Healthcare Workers, Hands Out Valentine’s Cards
AURORA, Ill. – In recognition of their hours of hard work and sacrifice, state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, organized a Valentine’s Day card campaign for healthcare workers in her community. She was joined by state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, who helped coordinate letter gathering for the campaign as well.
Ammons Touts New Small Business Assistance, Committee Progress
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In a Thursday press conference, state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, touted the accomplishments of the House Small Business, Tech Innovation and Entrepreneurship committee. Several major policy initiatives have passed the committee, all focused on providing relief to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and removing barriers to entry for professionals in underserved communities.
Hirschauer Pushes for More School Nurses, Funding for School Health Services in Coming Budget
WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – In a continued effort to improve education in Illinois, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is introducing a measure to fund a study on school nursing capacity in Illinois.
Rep. Barbara Hernandez Announces Grants of up to $30,000 in Housing Relief for Eligible Homeowners
AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is raising awareness of mortgage grant assistance available from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) through the Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF), which supports homeowners financially hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic.